Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
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A practical guide to healthy ageing
- Authors:
- NHS ENGLAND, AGE UK
- Publisher:
- NHS England
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- Redditch
Updated version of a guide to help people to stay physically and mentally well as they age by providing advice on how to keep fit and independent. The guide is particularly relevant for people aged around 70 years or older who are beginning to find that everyday tasks now take them longer to do and may be experiencing from mild frailty. The evidence base for the topics in the guide is based on a systematic review of 78 longitudinal observational studies that collectively identified 11 principal risk factors associated with functional decline in older people living at home. The contents cover: looking after your feet, preventing falls, looking after your eyes, vaccinations, making your home safe, keeping warm, keeping active, getting ready for winter, medicines review, bladder and bowel problems, hearing tests, eating and drinking well, caring and looking after yourself, looking after your mental health, looking after your mouth, and looking after your brain. The guide has also been tested using focus groups and in depth interviews. It aims to contribute to supporting people to stay well for longer and improve the quality of life of people and their carers. (Edited publisher abstract)
Impact of Covid-19 on older people’s mental and physical health: one year on
- Author:
- AGE UK
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2021
- Pagination:
- 25
- Place of publication:
- London
This report explores the impact of the pandemic on older people’s physical and mental health eleven months after Covid-19 arrived. Findings are based on representative online polling with 1,487 people aged 60+ across the UK; an online survey shared across social media channels and with Age UK Campaigners in February 2021; in-depth qualitative research with people aged 60+ from less well heard communities, including older people who are digitally and socially excluded and older people from ethnic minority communities. The report shines a light on how the pandemic has impacted older people differentially according to the degree of inequality they are experiencing. It shows that like their younger counterparts, older people from ethnic minorities have been hit harder in various ways, as have older people who are living on low incomes. The report focuses in particular on: physical health; mental health; loneliness and isolation; loss, bereavement and grief; health inequalities; and unpaid carers. The Covid-19 pandemic has made it harder for older people to look after their physical health. Not only have they had reduced opportunities to be physically active, but a significant number have also experienced delays in accessing healthcare and treatment. As a result, older people have told us they have ‘aged’, lost independence, and have a reduced ability to do the things they used to enjoy. The pandemic has also left older people feeling anxious, depressed, and fearful for the future. Some groups of older people have been particularly hard hit, including carers, older people who have been bereaved, and those who have been shielding. Restrictions on going out and meeting others has left vast numbers of older people feeling lonely, isolated, and forgotten. Older people told us they go days without seeing or speaking to anyone and feel like prisoners in their own homes. (Edited publisher abstract)
The impact of COVID-19 to date on older people’s mental and physical health
- Author:
- AGE UK
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 20
- Place of publication:
- London
This briefing presents findings of a study on the impact of the pandemic on older people’s physical and mental health. It is based on 569 responses to a survey – 369 respondents were older people themselves and 200 answered on behalf of an older person; and representative online polling of 1,364 people over the age of 60 – of these nearly half were over the age of 70 and 40% were already living with a long-term condition before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The briefing focuses on the impact of the pandemic on physical health; diet and nutrition; cognitive decline; people affected by dementia; long term conditions and shielding; mental health and wellbeing; self-neglect; bereavement; loneliness; and health inequalities. While some older people have used the last few months as an opportunity to do more exercise and improve their fitness, this study suggests that many have seen their health deteriorate in the face of isolation and reduced opportunities to socialise and be physically active – sometimes drastically so. The pandemic has taken its toll on older people’s mental health. Older people with pre-existing mental health conditions have seen an increase in the severity of their symptoms, while others are struggling for the first time. Clubs, activities, and volunteering, which older people previously were involved with have been put on hold, while friends and family have needed to stay away, leaving many older people feeling lonely and isolated. Critically, older people from more disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds have been more severely affected, both mentally and physically. (Edited publisher abstract)
Improving later life: vulnerability and resilience in older people
- Author:
- AGE UK
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 86
- Place of publication:
- London
A summary of the available evidence regarding the maintenance of resilience in older people, examining some of the factors and experiences that make older people more susceptible to the risk of adverse outcomes and exploring strategies to help build resilience in later life. The key topics covered are: social engagement; resources, including financial resources, housing and age-friendly neighbourhoods; health and disability; cognitive and mental health; and carers. The paper makes a number of recommendations, including: adopt a holistic view of all kinds of vulnerability in later life as the main focus rather concentrating on parts of the problem or parts of the body; make better use of the research evidence to identify problems earlier and to target resources; concentrate more on combating the effects of neighbourhood deprivation; work towards providing an age-friendly environment; facilitate home adaptations, aids and a better range of housing options; and root out ageism among professionals and society in general. (Edited publisher abstract)
Promoting mental health in later life: a guide for commissioners of older people's services
- Author:
- AGE UK
- Publisher:
- Age UK
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 31p.
- Place of publication:
- London
This booklet offers commissioners a guide to services that promote good mental health and well-being in later life. It describes a broad range of examples of low-cost, high-impact services from around England. For each service, a brief service description, including its benefits and how it is delivered, and contact details are provided. All of the services are offered by local Age UKs and Age Concerns. This guide offers clear and simple ideas for services that meet older people’s needs and aspirations and the corresponding benefits. Service-user quotations are used illustrate the impact of these services on older people. The service are placed under 4 headings: keeping fit and well; relationships and opportunities to contribute; reaching excluded groups; and tackling depression and reducing isolation.